How can communities in Hihifo, Tonga, protect and manage their water resources, in order to reduce their vulnerability to the impacts of climate variability and change?

This report presents the findings of a socio-economic assessment (SEA) that was carried out in Hihifo district, Tongatapu in late 2010 and early 2011. The purpose of the assessment was to examine the current socio-economic situation in Hihifo, the current situation regarding water supply, and the health situation, as well as capturing the attitudes and experiences of people with regard to climate change impacts. Data were collected through a household survey and a focus group discussion.

Ways forward identified by which priority issues could be addressed were: put a water meter in every household; establish solar water pumps for village water supply; construct additional water tanks; improvement in water communities’ governance; and improvements in transparency and closeness between the water consumer and the water committee.